Car makers call for a 'tap on the shoulder' for Takata

Car makers are calling on every Australian to tap someone they know on the shoulder - family, friends, neighbours or work colleagues - and urge them to check if their vehicles are affected by the Takata airbag recall.

Car makers are calling on every Australian to tap someone they know on the shoulder - family, friends, neighbours or work colleagues - and urge them to check if their vehicles are affected by the Takata airbag recall.

The faulty airbags have the potential to kill vehicle drivers and passengers. There have been 26 reported deaths and more than 300 reported injuries globally attributed to the airbags.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said the status of more than 7.8 million vehicles have been checked on the industry's airbag recall website ismyairbagsafe.com.au.

This had helped identify more than 1.2 million vehicles that were affected by the recall. But there are still more than 530,000 vehicles to be rectified.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber is pleading with car owners to check the status of their vehicles.

Quick check for safety

"We are pleading with owners to check the status of their vehicles. It's time everyone joined this campaign by urging family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues to check if their vehicles are affected," Mr Weber said.

"A quick tap on the shoulder could be the personal reminder that saves a life or prevents a serious injury.

"This personal approach is particularly important for the elderly and people with limited English language skills."

"We offer a simple and free checking process - visit ismyairbagsafe.com.au and enter your vehicle's registration plate number and state or territory. You can also check by texting TAKATA to 0487AIRBAG (247 224)."

Private sales

It is important that people buying used vehicles privately check the recall status of a vehicle.

"The ACCC has placed requirements on licensed dealers to ensure vehicles are identified and rectified prior to sale. However, these requirements do not apply to private sales of vehicles," he said.

"Our advice is clear. If you are looking to privately purchase a used vehicle, please check the vehicle's recall status on the industry website."